Light significantly accelerates hydrogen generation from formic acid, according to a report by German scientists. Combining the process with a small fuel cell could create a power source suitable for replacing batteries in laptops and other mobile devices, they claim.
"A significant step forward in the sustainable production of hydrogen from renewable hydrogen donors" - Serafino Gladiali, University of Sassari, Italy
Matthias Beller and colleagues at the University of Rostock used a ruthenium catalyst to break down formic acid into hydrogen, which can be used to power a fuel cell, and carbon dioxide. They found that shining a light on the reaction mixture increased the reaction rate, meaning they could turn hydrogen production on or off by controlling the light source. To demonstrate the potential of their system, the team created a miniature, hydrogen-powered car.
0 responses to "Phototriggered fuel production"